CEO, Inc

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Rolando Espinoza                                         Mr. Espinoza is a Mexican-American.  He holds a bachelor’s degree from UCLA, Berkeley, CA and a master’s degree in Economics from George Washington University, Washington, DC.  He served as the Dean of Economic Studies at Monterrey Tech., Monterrey, Mexico.  He presently directs a think tank centre for economic forecasting for Mexico.

Lucio Duque                                                             Mr. Duque has served as the president to Delta Area Chamber of Commerce for the past 5 years.  In this capacity, he has worked to bring industry to the communities of the Delta Area.  Mr. Duque, who is a Mexican-American, presently owns and operates two successful businesses (a jewelry store and a weekly newspaper).  He has also previously worked in radio as a marketing account manager.

Patricia Pichardo                                       Ms. Pichardo, who is a Mexican-American, is a seasonal farm worker and resides in the colonia of Loperville.  Ms. Pichardo is an active community leader and entrepreneur.  She is marketing cosmetics to earn additional income.

Fernando Gomez                                      Mr. Gomez is a computer systems analyst and software developer.  He is currently the Director of Technology for Monte Alto Public School District.  He also owns and operates a retail computer business.  He is a Mexican-American.

STAFF

Mr. Arturo Ramirez                              Executive Director

Mr. Ramirez has been involved for over 20 years in projects directed to improving the quality of life for families residing in rural unincorporated areas of Texas along the US/Mexico boarder called colonias.  Among his many accomplishments is managing a non-profit water and sewer supply corporation and developing a 36-acre industrial park at the International Bridge in Progreso, Texas. Mr. Ramirez manages the CEO, Inc. Business Development Center.  He assists fledgling businesses with their start up and teaches financial literacy to families in South Texas.

Who We Are

CEO, Inc, a community based non-profit, was founded in 1993.      

Center for Economic Opportunities mission is to improve the quality of life for rural colonial   low-income farmworker families through community development initiatives that focus on housing, economic development, and public infrastructure.

"The demand is great for Mexican foods and products, for example, because many residents are originally from Mexico.  CEO has helped colonia residents develop business plans and models for Mexican candy factories, restaurants, and food distribution businesses. Economic development activities that support and develop local business will be critical to the Lower Rio Grande's future," says Arturo Ramirez, executive director.